Find National Service Center content below for each segment of the suggested roundtable formats. This content works for in person, virtual, or hybrid formats. Timely new content is always in development. Check back frequently to see what new relevant content has been added. Roundtable topics are updated frequently and some topics are relevant to when […]

The 14th edition of the Scouts BSA Handbook includes changes to advancement requirements. For example, the number of overnight camping activities required for the First-Class rank was reduced from six to three, and for the Scout Rank, members are no longer required to demonstrate, but must discuss, pocketknife safety to satisfy the requirement. The text in the […]

[…] National Council periodically issues NCAP Circulars to provide authoritative guidance to councils, areas, and regions in implementing the program. (Most recent listed first)  NCAP Circular No.  19 (Issued November 6, 2023) NCAP Circular No. 18 (Issued July 26, 2023) NCAP Circular No. 17  (Issued February 3, 2023) NCAP Circular No. 16 (Issued Dec 8, […]

Guiding Our Youth Into the Future – 70 Years of the Outdoor Code Page Index News General Schedule Program Accommodations Cost Registration Camp Info Transportation Health & Safety September 12-15, 2024 Pre-Conference Courses Sept 9-12 Camp Tracy, Salt Lake City, Utah News / Updates Registration is now live – review the options under Cost below […]

Many traditional Scouters have no idea where Exploring came from and question why it even exists. Too often Councils view Exploring as optional and make no serious effort to offer the program to the young adults of their communities. A bit of background may be helpful.

SUMMARY The most common injuries reported at BSA summer camps are cuts, abrasions, and punctures. Most are minor and require little more than basic first aid. However, some injuries can become more serious if not treated correctly. A few simple steps can take care of these annoying injuries and get you back to the action […]

SUMMARY The consumption of energy drinks by children may lead to serious medical consequences. The American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that “stimulant-containing energy drinks have no place in the diet of children and adolescents.” Energy drinks contain stimulants such as caffeine and unregulated additives that may increase caffeine’s potency. Their use is discouraged by […]

[…] Caving is a specialized activity requiring advanced planning and technical skills. Scouting units participating in caving must follow the guidelines set forth in Cave Safely Cave Softly (www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/COPE/). Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts are encouraged to visit commercially operated caves and lava tubes. For commercial operations, leaders should follow the guidelines set by the […]

Guidelines Safety Safety must be the first consideration in all situations involving hot-air balloons. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations are specific regarding the safe performance of any aircraft, and the judgment of a qualified pilot is vital to ensure the safe operation of a hot-air balloon. Tethered balloon events must comply with all […]

Commissioners The Commissioner a publication for commissioners and professionals Spring 2021 Jeff BostwickRecruiting and Retention Chair  bostwick.jeffrey@gmail.com If you are like me, you might be exhausted with all the new normals we have confronted in the last year. With the upheaval of 2020-2021, you might be craving constancy, not change. So if adapting to change […]

Commissioners The Commissioner a publication for commissioners and professionals Fall 2021 Karen Bengtsonkkb08@comcast.net Commissioner Recruiting and Retention Chair Changing the underlying culture of any large organization requires that core values be reassessed and long-term goals redefined. It takes time. Or does it? The standard belief is that culture change takes 2–3 years. That’s one reason people are […]

[…] Express appreciation for commissioners at council board and executive committee meetings. Use special events to showcase the impact commissioners have. Encourage commissioners to take the onboarding process seriously and to work on achieving the Arrowhead recognition first. Then, dedicate yourself to continued unit service and lifelong learning through fulfilling and living the example of […]

SUMMARY Serious injuries can occur when it’s cold and you spend time working, playing, or sleeping outside, particularly if you are wet or your clothes are wet or too tight. Scouts should be instructed to inform an adult as soon as possible if they are at an event, winter camp, or troop campout and start […]

Welcome to the brand-new Profiles in World Scouting series, where the BSA International Department and Committee will be sharing the stories of leaders in the World Scouting community to engage and inspire Scouts to get involved with the International Scouting community at large. Through this series, we hope to bridge the gap between Scouts in […]

Upcoming Schedule The Outdoor Programs and Properties team strives to meet the needs of councils and council camping operations with helpful and timely conversations about all things BSA camping. This webinar series is meant for camp leaders (professional and volunteers) who are responsible for camps in the council. The webinars listed below are meant to […]

Adult Audience Only   SUMMARY Anaphylaxis is a sudden and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction usually to a food, an insect bite, or a medication. Anaphylaxis usually occurs in someone who has previously had an allergic reaction, but it can also happen to someone with no previous history. Preventing a reaction by avoiding the allergen (thing […]

The World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), of which the BSA is a member, is divided into six regions: Africa, Arab, Asia-Pacific, Eurasia, Europe, and Interamerica. If you’re moving or live outside of the United States, you can continue to be a member of the Boy Scouts of America through the three BSA councils […]

Policy Regarding Prohibited and Unauthorized Activities The Boy Scouts of America’s Charter and Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, policies, and program guidelines help provide a safe and consistent program. Council and unit charters as well as individual registration are conditioned upon adherence to those requirements. Adult volunteer leaders and units that allow youth or units to […]

The following is a list of Scouts BSA merit badges, Webelos Scout activity badges, and Cub Scout belt loops and pins typically offered at Scout camps. These will count for STEM Nova Awards.  (Last Updated 2018 April 10) Scouts BSA Nova-Related Merit Badges Archery Astronomy Athletics Canoeing Chess Farm Mechanics Motorboating Orienteering Rifle Shooting Robotics […]

One of the most important components of outdoor ethics is to be courteous toward other visitors. It helps all visitors enjoy their outdoor experience. Many people come to the outdoors to listen to nature. Excessive noise, unleashed pets, and damaged surroundings take away from everyone’s experience. So, keep the noise level down while traveling and, […]

Hello everyone, today’s safety moment focuses on a popular camping trend that’s gained momentum over the past decade – hammock camping. While hammocks offer a unique and environmentally friendly way to camp, it’s important to remember that safety is still a top priority. Let’s delve into some essential tips to ensure safe hammock camping experiences. […]

Congratulations for stepping up to be the outdoor ethics guide advisor. This is a critical advisor position for the unit. It will challenge you to think about your outdoor experiences in new and positive ways. Your growth may, in some ways, be greater than the youth you are advising.  Our outdoor activities reflect Scouting’s mission […]

Adult Audience Only   SUMMARY Congratulations! You have been given the responsibility of managing your unit’s Annual Health and Medical Records (AHMRs). This Safety Moment will help you review the unit’s AHMR—even if your knowledge of medicine is limited to basic first aid. GENERAL INFORMATION These general tips will enable you to more effectively manage […]

SUMMARY Millions of Americans—many of them Scouts and Scouters—will be affected by poisonous plants each year. Almost everyone has heard the warning “leaves of three, let it be.” Despite training to identify them on sight and efforts to avoid them, almost everyone has stumbled through a patch of poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, or […]

[…] achievement—such as the Boy Scouts of America. When you suspect that someone might be suicidal: If you have a plan in place, follow it. Take every threat seriously. Don’t be afraid to ask whether the person has considered suicide. Listen and accept the person at face value. Don’t give false reassurance. Notify the person’s […]

[…] Scouts with disabilities like any other Scout, to the maximum extent possible. Even those who sympathize with youth with disabilities may deal with them like they are seriously ill or more fragile than they really are. In many cases, aside from the effects of the disability, the youth is usually healthy. For example, a […]

[…] unimportant until you consider the combined effects of millions of outdoor visitors. One poorly located campsite or campfire may have little significance, but thousands of such instances seriously degrade the outdoor experience for all. Leaving no trace is everyone’s responsibility. Leave No Trace Awareness Instilling values in young people and preparing them to make […]

[…] unimportant until you consider the combined effects of millions of outdoor visitors. One poorly located campsite or campfire may have little significance, but thousands of such instances seriously degrade the outdoor experience for all. Leaving no trace is everyone’s responsibility. Leave No Trace Awareness Instilling values in young people and preparing them to make […]

[…] unimportant until you consider the combined effects of millions of outdoor visitors. One poorly located campsite or campfire may have little significance, but thousands of such instances seriously degrade the outdoor experience for all. Leaving no trace is everyone’s responsibility. 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare Proper trip planning and preparation helps hikers and campers […]